The new online tool, developed by an international team of earth scientists led by Professor Douwe van Hinsbergen from Utrecht University, enables users to see the latitude of their current address as far back as 320 million years ago. This was a time when the supercontinent known as Pangaea existed.

The tool is based on the Utrecht Paleogeography Model, which uses magnetic signals stored in ancient rocks to reconstruct the movement of tectonic plates. These signals act like a compass to show where a rock was formed in relation to the Earth's magnetic poles.

The researchers found that many places used to be in completely different climate zones. For example, 245 million years ago, the Netherlands had a tropical climate similar to the modern Persian Gulf.

This research is not just for curiosity, but also has significant implications for understanding biodiversity, climate change, and mass extinctions. By knowing exactly where fossils were located, scientists can see which areas remained safe for wildlife during periods of extreme warming or cooling.

The researchers hope the tool will help the public connect with the deep history of the planet. As users explore the tool, they can gain a deeper understanding of the Earth's history and the impact of climate change on the environment. The tool's potential to educate and raise awareness about the Earth's history and the importance of preserving biodiversity is significant, and it is likely to have a lasting impact on the scientific community and the general public.